God’s Human Future

The Struggle to Define Theology Today

God and Human Future series, vol. 2

by David Galston

The “death of God” movement famously declared that belief in the God of Christian tradition is meaningless in the modern world. Does this herald the death of theology, too? No, suggests Galston. At its best, theology is the place where tradition pushes itself to the limits of its own thought. Problems arise when theology holds onto an old version of God, emphasizing a closed approach to religion. How can communities foster a more open-minded and flexible approach to theology? How can theologians respond to the pressing concerns of modern culture sensitively and intelligently without clinging to outdated metaphors for God? Marking key features and turning points in Western theology, Galston combines expertise in the philosophy of religion with practical experience as a facilitator in a wisdom-based community, to guide readers through questions surrounding the future of religion.

“Thoroughly 'reader friendly' in tone, commentary, organization and presentation, God's Human Future is as informed and informative as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking. Very highly recommended for community, seminary, and academic library Christian Studies collections.”—Midwest Book Review

“Broad, generous, careful, and critical in the best sense, God’s Human Future is a cause of rejoicing for teachers, clergy, and all interested readers longing for a book that explains how we got here and where we might go next. Read, read again, and share.”—Sarah Morice Brubaker, Phillips Theological Seminary

“Written in an accessible style, Galston walks the reader through history and theory with technical mastery, honesty, and even wit. This is a radical recasting of theology, a gift for the skeptic and progressive that shows that the future of God is a question in which human society ought to be seriously invested.”—Jeffrey Robbins, author of Radical Theology

“Religion is the issue of human wisdom, not of a superhuman invasion that descends upon us from on high, like an avatar, to steer us through the choppy waters of time. If we don’t understand that, religion will make us miserable. Galston pursues that point relentlessly, with great erudition, considerable good humor, and striking analyses of old stories and parables that will prove to be hard sayings for the pious but emancipatory for those who have their doubts.”—John D. Caputo, Syracuse University